Keshav Maharaj became only the second South African to take a test hat-trick as he ripped through the West Indies middle order with five wickets to help his side to an emphatic 158-run victory in the second test in Saint Lucia on Monday.
South Africa, who claimed the series 2-0 after winning the opening game by an innings and 63 runs, bowled out their hosts for 165 in pursuit of a victory target of 324 on the fourth day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The home side were in the game at 107 for three when left-arm spinner Maharaj (5-36) claimed the scalp of Kieran Powell (51), who tried to launch him to the midwicket boundary but picked out lone fielder Anrich Nortje.
The world’s top-ranked test all-rounder Jason Holder was caught by short-leg Keegan Petersen first ball, and Wiaan Mulder took an excellent diving catch at leg-slip off Joshua Da Silva to complete the hat-trick and spark wild South African celebrations.
It was just the second test hat-trick in the country’s history, after seamer Geoff Griffin managed the feat against England at Lord's in 1960.
{{/usCountry}}It was just the second test hat-trick in the country’s history, after seamer Geoff Griffin managed the feat against England at Lord's in 1960.
{{/usCountry}}West Indies had started the day on 15 without loss, but lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite (6) early as he edged Kagiso Rabada (3-44) to his opposing skipper Dean Elgar at first slip.
Rabada accounted for Shai Hope (2) and had Kyle Mayers (34) plumb lbw off a no-ball, but later did pick up the wicket of the attacking left-hander with Elgar catching a skier.
The teams will play a five-match Twenty20 International series starting on Saturday. (Reporting by Nick Said, Editing by Ed Osmond)